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Why to Invest in a Handbag?

DETAILS.
Ro & De Tank (also got this) // H by Bordeaux Cocoon Cardigan (size small - also bought grey color - worn here) // Distressed Denim (runs true to size - size 26) // Black Suede Booties (runs half size small) // Photos by JessaKae

ACCESSORIES.
Black Chain Watch // Karen Walker Sunglasses // ILY Necklace // Celine Luggage Tote (similar here)

Today and tomorrow I will be discussing the importance of investment pieces. While I always appreciate on-trend, bargain pieces, the shelf life for some of these pieces usually doesn't last beyond a few seasons, so it's important to have a mix of both. Mixing a high end piece with a low end makes the cheaper items look more expensive. The key is picking investment pieces you can wear over and over.
Today's focus is on investment handbags. I can remember like it was yesterday the day I purchased my first Celine. The anticipation is almost as vivid as the memory of its arrival. I had saved up for my first big purchase so when I finally had my hands on it, I couldn’t put it down. I used it so often that some of my readers even teased me for wearing it too much. (You know you who you are! :) I will always love that bag - not just because it was beautiful, but also because I had saved up and earned it. 
Purchasing your first investment piece may seem out of reach at the moment, but here a few tips to make that handbag more attainable and tips to picking the right bag.
1. Set a Goal.  My husband actually taught me this trick. An investment piece is much more fulfilling when you feel like you have earned it. Motivate yourself by aligning your purchase with a goal wether it be professional, financial, fitness, or a personal achievement. Pick something challenging that takes time to earn. Once you reach your goal, reward yourself with a piece you have your heart set on. Your bag will serve as a beautiful and stylish reminder of your dedication, making it all the more exciting to use. 
2. Break up with the Bargains.  I am guilty of being a sucker for sales. It is easy to convince yourself that you really like a bag after you see its irresistible price. Before you purchase flashy discount bags ask yourself would you pay full price for it or are you just falling in love with the price tag? If you can’t resist those sales, eventually your closet becomes full of unloved, bargain bags. But which one is really a better deal: 10 sale handbags you wear once or 1 classic handbag you use constantly? Resist the cheap thrills and put your money towards an investment piece. 

3. Color is Key. Unless you own multiple designer pieces, stick to a neutral tone bag. You want a versatile piece that can be worn with multiple styles and outfits. To get the most wear from your investment pieces, consider some of the year-round neutrals like black, beige, grey, or leopard. If you already own those colors look into a fall/winter neutral like this gorgeous wine, or a versatile spring/summer piece like hot pink 

4. Return on Investment. When considering resell value, remember that high investment pieces hold their value. Thus in a few years you could sell your designer bag and pick up a new one. These are the few of the classic bags that are currently holding the best resell value: Celine Trapeze, Chanel Boy Bag, Chanel Flap Bag, and the Louis Vuitton Neverfull

5.  A Bag for Every Budget. An investment piece for some might be a $300 Rebecca Minkoff, while for others it's a Prada or Chanel. The fact is, purchasing a $200 bag when you are used to spending less than $50 is still considered an investment. Used, quality handbags are also a great alternative to new pieces. There are a lot of reputable dealers that sell gently used designer bags at a discounted price. You can also rent designer bags if you have a special event you want to spoil yourself on. Whatever your budget, save up for pieces that are higher quality than you are used to owning. No matter the price tag, it will be your favorite piece and instantly elevate your look. Just remember no handbag is worth putting yourself into debt. 

XOX,
Christine

32 comments:

  1. Forwarding this post to my husband ;)

    Liz
    www.LizTheAustinite.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love this post! Couldn't agree more on investment pieces over cheap, thrilling on-trend pieces. I saved up for my Reed Krakoff and Chloe Marcie and it's those pieces that get the most wear out of my closet and have the most meaning every single time I use them!

    www.adoredbyalex.com

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  3. Love love love this post! Can't wait to see the next

    Xo,
    Dallastyleblog.com

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  4. I know you focus on fashion, but would you ever do a post on your workout routine?

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  5. Great post! Very relatable. I have currently been debating on my first big bag purchase. Thanks for sharing your helpful tips. Pssst..... Your Celine bag is fabulous, no matter how many times you post it.

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  6. adore these gorgeous boots and jeans paired together!
    ladies in navy

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  7. Fantastic post, thank you for giving your tips on this theme!

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

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  8. Great post!!
    I've been drooling over nice handbags so much lately and haven't been able to let myself bite the bullet and buy one! I may need to start revisiting the idea though!
    -Adrienne. xo

    Citizen of the World
    Citizen of the World

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  9. AHHH... the never-ending saga of deciding on a new bag!! Your picks are always timeless and leave me lusting!! Dying for a Celine Trapeze bag!!! Seriously a spot on post!!!

    xx. Michelle
    www.themichmix.com

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  10. I agree that although it's tempting to purchase a plethora of bargain bags, it makes much more sense to invest in a timeless, well-constructed piece you will have forever. I bought a Ferragamo satchel a few years ago and although it made a dent in my wallet, I wear it all the time and it instantly elevates any look. I'm currently saving up for a Tod's tote. It will be very rewarding when I finally get to wear one of those on my arm! Great picks!

    www.taffetaandtulips.com

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  11. I love to mix and match too, but I'm serious about my handbags. It didn't happen overnight, but over the past 5 years or so I've accumulated a handful of great ones that I know I'll have forever. Not only does a quality handbag up the oomph of an outfit, it's quality is better x100. Love this post! Xo, Sarah

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  12. I agree completely with this post! Love all those bags as well!

    Kay // Fashionably Kay

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  13. I love the simplicity of this outfit! I'm all for minimalism! What I would give for those boots :) xx -Danielle

    www.getup-goblog.blogspot.com

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  14. Great post!!! I totally agree! I have a few bags that I saved up for and end up using them all the time. They do mean a lot more than the ones I bought just because they were for a good price. =)

    Kelli
    www.blog.bodeoo.com

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  15. Totally agreed! I have a vintage chanel and a louis vuitton i bought new that have both served me so well over the years! I also love Rebecca Minkoff as a nice modestly priced bag that still holds up. :)

    xoxo,
    The Quintessentials

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  16. Love this post and love the bags you chose!

    Lyss // Life with Lyss

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  17. Love this post! I've been really wanting a celine handbag. Thanks for the tips :)

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  18. I'm totally a sucker for sale prices but as I'm getting older, I'm starting to realize how important it is to invest in high quality pieces. My next two big purchases are going to be a pair of designer pumps and a bag! #happysaving
    Totally love your booties!

    xx
    Because I'm Obsessed

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  19. Great post!!
    I have been wanting a Celine bag for a while now and I think I'm going to make the investment.

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  20. Great post! I love designer bags but still understand their value and treat them as investments. They truly last four years and even though I own bright colors they still carry on effortlessly throughout the seasons.

    xoxo, Diana
    www.TheNeonFactor.com

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  21. Loving the holes in the knees! I'm going to do a DIY of this soon :)

    Colour Me Classic

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  22. I totally agree having bought my first Michael Kors bag it is my absolute favourite and can see it lasting me a lifetime :) Time to clean out all the cheap seasonal bags :)

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  23. Totally agree with you about the investment bags! It´s better to buy one that you really love and is more expensieve than 10 cheaper ones which you just buy for their cheap price.

    valokuvaajantytar.blogspot.com

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  24. Simple, but very very stylish!! Love it! :)

    xx Su http://fashiontwinstinct.blogspot.de/

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Thanks so much for reading Hello Fashion :)

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